COVID-19
March 31, 2020
SMART Testing Family:
Amazing what a difference a month makes!
SMART Testing Associates have been asked many times in the past few weeks what is SMART’s policy regarding the COVID-19 virus. Well, until recently, SMART didn’t have a policy and had never thought we would need one.
SMART wants to continue to offer premium one-on-one testing to homeschool families. We know the immediate test scores and consultation offers families specific and targeted learning opportunities. We are often told by parents that the individual feedback and a path to move forward is just what they need to help their student to continue to grow academically.
The info that you shared with me during Eli’s evaluation has had an enormous impact on his learning and on our relationship, btw. Thank you so so much! – L
Thank you so much for your testing service. Last year was such a blur for our family. Using your testing service and your encouragement, gave me the boost we needed to keep homeschooling. Many blessings to you and your family.
I have enrolled C in the Duke TIP program. He will be taking the ACT in February. I have been able to focus my work with L better and have been able to meet her needs as a kinesthetic learner and that has lessened my frustration with teaching her. Your testing really made a difference in our day to day lives this year.
Please allow our SMART Testing Team to continue to work with your family even if it is later in the year than originally planned. Remember, NC Homeschool Testing requirement allows students to be tested any month of the year. So, testing has to be completed sometime in 2020. The Woodcock – Johnson IV Test of Achievement is normed to each month of the year and tests students working memory. So, delaying testing will still give very valid and helpful results.
Many families prefer to test in the months of April and May, however, SMART Associates test all year long. SMART has been here for you and your families since 2006 and will continue to be available for you in the future.
If you have a Spring test scheduled, please communicate with your SMART Testing Associate and reschedule to a later date if needed.
SMART Testing Associates will work with each family on a reschedule date for later in the spring / summer when everything calms down.
SMART will hold your registration and credit until we are able to reschedule (even until July 2021 if necessary, but we hope not).
SMART Testing Associates desire for everyone to be safe during these very troubling times and unprecedented events. We are taking every precaution possible to provide a safe testing environment including using wipes and hand sanitizer. However, we are encouraging each family to make the best decision for their family.
Everyone’s health is very important.
Testing may seem overwhelming and scary, but we promise it doesn't have to be! Having a regular assessment completed by your child simply shows their educational growth and can be an encouragement to you while you're in the midst of homeschooling.
And don't forget ... you're actually assessing your children every day whether you're checking a math test or watching them interact at the store. Testing builds on that; it's just a little more formal. So, no need to worry!
Thank you, Glenna for spending time with us yesterday. I asked the kids when I got in the car, “Who enjoyed doing their test?” They all chimed in, “I did!”
Please be safe!
Let’s pray for each other in the meantime.
Blessings,
Glenna Toney
Owner and Founder of SMART
March 22, 2020
SMART Testing Family:
Well — what a Year the last two weeks have been! COVID-19 has been filling the news, and each day brings new challenges and things to consider. We're praying for God's grace for you in these days, as we continue to find our hope and security in Jesus Christ.
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say to the Lord,
“My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”
(Psalm 91:1-2)
We have never been more thankful for the flexibility and stability that home education provides families. God's been very good to us!
One big question we've heard from homeschooling families right now is: How does all of this affect homeschool testing?
The short answer is ... not much. :) All of North Carolina's statutes for home education and private/independent schools are still in place, and are not impacted by recent cancellations of public-school testing.
The following was posted on the NCHE (North Carolinians for Home Education) Facebook:
Friday morning (March 20, 2020), President Trump reported that the Dept. of Education will not enforce standardized testing requirements. We are not sure if this applies to our annual standardized achievement testing requirement. We are trying to find out and will let you know as soon as we know something.
Update--We have gotten word that someone called DNPE early on and was told that we (homeschoolers) still need to test. This makes sense, since, basically, we don't fall under the mandatory testing of the Department of Education. Our mandatory testing is a state law, not federal. We will let you know if there are more developments on this.
~Debbie Mason
NCHE Board Member
SMART Testing Associates have been asked many times in the past few days what is SMART’s policy regarding the COVID-19 virus. Well, until this week, SMART didn’t have a policy and had never thought we would need one.
SMART Testing Associates desire for everyone to be safe during these very troubling times and unprecedented events. We are taking every precaution possible to provide a safe testing environment including using wipes and hand sanitizer. However, we are encouraging each family to make the best decision for their family.
Everyone’s health is very important.
If necessary, SMART Testing Associates will work with each family on a reschedule date for later in the spring / summer when everything calms down.
SMART will hold your registration and credit until we are able to reschedule (even until July 2021 if necessary, but we hope not).
Please communicate with your SMART Testing Associate at least a week before testing (if possible) and let us know what you decide to do about your upcoming testing appointment.
Testing may seem overwhelming and scary, but we promise it doesn't have to be! Having a regular assessment completed by your child simply shows their educational growth and can be an encouragement to you while you're in the midst of the homeschooling "weeds."
And don't forget ... you're actually assessing your children every day whether you're checking a math test or watching them interact at the store. Testing builds on that; it's just a little more formal. So, no need to worry!
Please be safe!
Let’s pray for each other in the meantime.
Blessings,
Glenna Toney
Owner and Founder of SMART